What we wanted in our recently purchased home was leather furniture that looked like a million bucks but only cost a few hundred. Being the bargain hunters we are, we searched Craigslist and thrift stores for months before finding a set that was well-made, comfortable, well cared for, and was within budget. Since we […]
Saturday Sips: 2 Must-Have DIY Refinishing Products
April 12, 2014 By 3 Comments
Since I wrote this past week about finding Free and Nearly Free Treasures, I thought I’d share two must-have DIY refinishing products. Refinishing is fun, frugal, and rewarding, especially if you are referring to taking a piece of furniture with lots of surface ugly and revealing the gem below. First, though, you’ve got to be open to seeing the beauty […]
Beyond yard sales: How to find Free and Nearly Free treasures!
April 7, 2014 By
Ah, spring. That season when the heart quickens and thoughts turn to love yard sales! Yes, my dear frugal friends, you know what I am talking about. Your family recognizes that starry eyed look of longing as you imagine the bargains awaiting your rescue. Well, that and the sudden u-turns worthy of a stunt driver […]
Saturday Sips: Your Personal Master Gardener, FREE!
March 29, 2014 By 2 Comments
Are you weary of winter? Do you enjoy fresh vegetables? Then as your Personal Sherpa of Joy, I have a suggestion. I invite you to think about warmer weather and planting a garden. Those of you who are discouraged members of the Black Thumb Club like me, take heart. Your own Personal Master Gardener is available, for […]
Saturday Sips: 5 Places to find free ebooks!
March 8, 2014 By 5 Comments
Who doesn’t like free, especially when it comes to ebooks? If you are trying to keep a handle on your finances, or just indulge in your reading habit without breaking the bank, you’ll want to check out these 5 places to find free ebooks. Story Cartel Jeff Goins and Joe Bunting—talented writers and nice […]
Spending less at Christmas yields more joy
December 9, 2013 By 8 Comments
What do you really want to experience this year for Christmas? Less stress? More joy? If that is true for you, here is one way to get there: giving fewer gifts. I’m referring to reducing the number and scale of presents, which is not to be confused with your charitable giving. This can be […]
10 Lessons in happiness from a yard sale
June 18, 2012 By 39 Comments
Have you ever thought that your idea of happiness would be to spend a week’s vacation preparing for and holding a yard sale? That you would be just beside yourself with delight at digging through boxes that hold years of foolish purchases, projects you were going to do, and clothes you bought and never wore? […]
When little is big
June 11, 2012 By 22 Comments
It’s a conundrum, really. How can something little actually be bigger than it initially appears? Well, consider this: Have you ever helped a friend with something simple, perhaps picking up something at the grocery store, and they gushed with appreciation? Have you ever given a small gift that the recipient treasured more than it’s actual […]
The parable of the frugal traveler and the coin operated bathroom
May 29, 2012 By 29 Comments
Are you old enough to remember that stores did not always have free public bathrooms? You had to pay to use them, and they didn’t look anywhere near as sleek as this. You have not lived until you and your six siblings who are all under 10 years old are doing the traditional We’ve waited […]
Revealing treasure-a family friendly product for refinishing furniture
February 1, 2012 By 2 Comments
If you have been hanging out here for a while, you know that I regularly mix family, friendships and frugality for lots of fun. I am a fan of being on the same page as your spouse financially, getting the most for your money, and getting or staying out of debt. Today we are talking […]
